Five Narratives Against Black History Month & Their Flaws

It’s Black History Month, which means we are again bombarded with anti-Black rhetoric disguised as a “critique” of the observance. From claims that it’s “divisive” to assertions that it’s nothing more than a way to “pat Blacks on the head,” these five narratives against Black History Month are among the most common—and flawed.

1. Black History Is Divisive.

The first argument against Black History Month is that it’s somehow “divisive.” How can celebrating the History and accomplishments of Black people be divisive? Wouldn’t the genuinely divisive thing be to ignore or erase those contributions- which is what happened and why we began celebrating Black History Month in the first place?

Far from being divisive, Black History Month is a unifying force. It’s a time for everyone, Black and non-Black alike, to come together and learn about Black people’s unique and rich History. What could be more unifying than that?

The lack of understanding and/or being privy to Black History and Black achievements (as well as those of Indigenous people of color, Asians, Latinos, etc.) results in us being susceptible to thinking highly of white people and very little about the rest of us. That is what’s divisive. So when we take one month out of each year in observance and learn a little bit more that we didn’t know before, we begin to chip away at the folk theories surrounding race.

2. There’s No Need For Black History Month Because It’s American History.

This argument completely misses the point of Black History Month. Of course, we should be celebrating Black History all year round! But the fact is, we do not. And that’s why we need Black History Month.

Black History Month is a time to shine a spotlight on the stories and accomplishments of Black people that are often ignored or have been erased. It’s a chance to ensure that these stories are told and remembered. Without Black History Month, they would likely be lost forever.

So there is no good reason we are only taught from a European or Anglocentric perspective when discussing American History. We must make a concerted effort to include Black people’s History, influence, and accomplishments in America and worldwide. This ensures accuracy in our perception of the past and the people.

This argument is an excellent reminder that our understanding of History should never be limited to what is taught in school and that we need to continue learning and expanding our knowledge to truly understand the History of our planet and who we are.

3. Black History Month Is Nothing More Than A Way To Pat Blacks On The Head.

This is perhaps the most insulting of all the arguments as it suggests that Black people are not worthy of respect and are being placated. The truth is that Black History Month is a meaningful way to recognize and celebrate the many contributions Black people have made to the world and the importance of their histories, cultures, stories, and struggles. It is a meaningful way to remind everyone that racism, discrimination, and inequality continue to be a reality for many African Americans today and to be aware of how our past and present shape our future.

This narrative perpetuates the idea that Black people and culture are bad. This is racist thinking! Anti-blackness has resulted in the mislabeling of Black culture. And it’s so normalized that it goes undetected. So when people refer to Black culture, they’re likely speaking of the problems impacting Black communities and negative and racist stereotypes instead of the actual culture itself.

4. Black History Month is Reverse Racism.

The fourth narrative that Black History Month is reverse racism is also wrong. This narrative suggests that because Black History Month celebrates the achievements of Black people, it is somehow demeaning to other races. This is not true. Black History Month is not about putting down other races; it is about celebrating the achievements of Black people and learning their histories. It is not possible to have reverse racism, as racism is discrimination against a group of people based on their race.

Learning about Black people’s history and achievements is not equivalent to being taught to believe in their racial superiority. And it most certainly does not promote the belief in the inferiority of others in contrast to Black people. Understand that the empowerment of Black people does NOT come at the cost of white disempowerment or the disempowerment of any other group for that matter.

5. Black History Month is Unnecessary Because We Are a Post-Racial Society.

The narrative that Black History Month is unnecessary because we are “post-racial” is also wrong. Present-day folk theories about race are the same folk theories from the past. The belief that Black people are less intelligent, built for hard labor, and dangerous was used to justify their enslavement. Today, we are conditioned to believe the same things about Black people; it’s delivered differently. The genetic inferiority of Black people is no longer expressed casually, but we are conditioned to believe in their cultural inferiority (a euphemism for racial inferiority). To suggest we are post-racial is an example of cognitive dissonance.

Exceptional Black people exist because Black people are just as capable of exceptionalism.

This narrative suggests that because we have a Black president, we have achieved racial equality. This one is just as infuriating as narrative number three. How often do we have to hear people suggest that if there were still racism, there would be no Black celebrities, business people, or politicians before it finally gets shut down? Oprah, Beyonce, Lebron James, and President Obama (to name a few) do not exist as we know them today because of the good graces of white people! Get this one tattooed on your forehead if you need to. Exceptional Black people exist because Black people are just as capable of exceptionalism.

Some Food for Thought:

Racial minorities makeup almost half of the population in the US and growing. This means we also influence whether or not musicians and celebrities will become popular. This means our votes have power. And this also means we help fuel the economy. When we purchase products and services, we provide market demand that companies use to grow continually. When we go to events, we help support artists and other businesses that are related to the events. We can shape the multibillion-dollar music industry in more ways than just purchasing music. We can use our voices and wallets to change how the industry works and, more importantly, how we are represented.

The only reason we are finally seeing diversity in the media, fashion, and cosmetics industry more than ever is thanks to Black people’s resistance and advocacy. The next time you see a person of color on the cover of magazines and in roles that do not perpetuate negative & racist stereotypes, remember that it’s thanks to Black resistance and perseverance.

Black History Month is a Time to Educate, Inspire, and Empower!

The empowerment of Black people does not come at the cost of your disempowerment.

It’s no wonder Black History Month is filled with hatred and resistance! After all, the system that allowed White Supremacy to breed for centuries is at risk of being dismantled when challenged. With knowledge and perspective, we can change things for the better!

Black History Month is a time to educate, inspire, and empower everyone to make a difference in their communities and help create a more just, equitable, and inclusive society. And remember: empowering Black people does not come at the cost of your disempowerment.

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